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While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Michael Andrew Williams. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Mike was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Mike was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on January 23, 1921, Mike showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Mike came into this world at Windwood Hollow Hospital in Bryan, Ohio. His parents were Harold and Mary Williams. Mike was raised in Edon, Ohio.

Because fellowship was so important to him, Mike promoted harmony with his one sibling. He had one younger sister, Anita. Mike was something of the family diplomat. He helped settle problems and conflicts, which kept the family running smoothly.

As a young boy, Mike was helpful and interacted well with other children. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. He was an active child and had a number of interests in his youth. Mike took part in football and baseball. In his spare time he liked swimming and playing with animals.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Mike was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Edon Northwest High School in 1938. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was American history. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Harovane.

Mike's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in subjects that didn't particularly interest him. Mike became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in liberal arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in American studies from Bowling Green State University in 1941. He also pursued graduate school, earning his master's degree in fine arts from the University of Cincinnati in 1945. His favorite courses were Contemporary American Literature and Ethnicity and Identity. His favorite professor was Dr. William Cruza.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Mike was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Mike, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Mike enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of his best friends were Rodney White and Steven Frist. Later in life, he became friends with Wes and Patricia Klark.

Mike was romantic, even poetic at times. He was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show his emotions without going overboard. On May 27, 1944, Mike exchanged wedding vows with Amy McDanilles at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Blakeslee, Ohio.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Mike was able to bond with his child. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator. Mike was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. He and Amy were blessed with one child, Patrick. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Ryan and Lauren.

Mike projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get the job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Mike was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Mike could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn't one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Mike served as a professor of American history, employed with the University of Dayton for 32 years.

Mike was an Air Force veteran. He saw action for a year during World War II. Though this time was difficult for him to discuss, you could always see pride for his country gleaming in his eyes when the subject was mentioned.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Mike was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Mike took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were reading books and writing his own novels. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Mike was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school, Mike played football. In his college years, Mike continued to stay active by playing intramural sports such as flag football. Mike was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

Because Mike was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member for a wide variety of associations. In high school, Mike was a member of the drama club. Throughout his later years, Mike was an active member of the Midwest Writers Association and a local poker club.

Mike was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church for 37 years. During that time, he was a volunteer youth group leader.

Mike possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included taking Alaskan hunting trips.

Mike was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Mike's favorites was Chewie, a blonde Labrador. They were best friends for 11 years. His family was rounded out by his gold fish, Mr. Bubbles.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Mike accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1979, and Mike was well prepared. In retirement, he found new pleasure in writing, hunting and hiking.

Mike passed away on August 14, 2009 at home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Services were held at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mike was laid to rest in the Crown Hill Memorial Park.

Though he could be a private person at times, Mike was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Mike carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher,” Michael Andrew Williams shared himself freely. Family and friends will remember Mike for the strength of his convictions.